Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Kingston?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kingston or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Kailua-Kona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kingston or Kailua-Kona?
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
-
Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kingston and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Kailua-Kona $141
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Kingston or Kailua-Kona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kingston Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
- Private Transfer from Kingston's Airport: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
- Kingston Airport Transfers Private Taxi Service***: $37
- Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
- Kingston Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Kingston or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Kingston change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayKingston $44Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kingston $12Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Art Walk Sunday Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $9.78
- Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Mural Tours in the Downtown Kingston Art District, Jamaica: $40
- Reggae Legend - Bob Marley Museum Tour Tickets: $41
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
- Private Bob Marley Tour Experience: $65
- Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $69
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
-
Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
-
Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
-
1 Day Kayak Rental$47
-
2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Kailua-Kona $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kingston and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Kingston much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kingston is in Caribbean Islands and Kailua-Kona is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kingston would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kingston and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona than you might in Kingston.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kingston Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Kailua-Kona?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Kingston and Kailua-Kona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Kingston or Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kingston or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Kailua-Kona. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.
In the summer, Kingston is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kingston in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Kingston gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kingston usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKingston 29°C (83°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Kailua-Kona. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 28°C (82°F), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In the autumn, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Kingston gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Kingston receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kingston usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKingston 28°C (82°F)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
Kingston is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. Kingston usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Kingston gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. In January, Kingston usually receives less rain than Kailua-Kona. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKingston 26°C (79°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Kingston or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Kingston during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Kingston is a little warmer than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kingston in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Kingston. In the spring, Kingston often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Kingston gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
Kingston usually gets less rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKingston 26°C (80°F)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Kingston
| Kingston | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.